Kathleen Williams named as the school-related employee of the year
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Alvin Olivo is hugged by his family after winning teacher of the year. -
Kathleen Williams, school-related employee of the year, speaks after winning.
Because of COVID-19, the Osceola County School District teacher of the year ceremony wasn’t held at a ritzy venue.
However, the celebration wasn’t any less.
Alvin Olivo, digital media and computer science teacher at the Osceola County School for the Arts, received the top teacher of the year award.
Kathleen Williams, school nurse/LPN at Harmony Middle, was named as the school-related employee of the year.
The event was held Osceola County School Board Administrative Office courtyard, which was brightly decorated to honor the district employees.
“Wow, I don’t even know what to say,” Olivio said after his name was called by Superintendent Debra Pace. “Osceola School for the Arts is a quirky, fun, very talented, smart group of students. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m a lucky person to be working there.”
Olivo’s merits include developing the school’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, and implemented the Adobe Certified Associate (ACA), an industry standard certification exam that validates proficiency in software used by professional designers.
Since the beginning of the program, 233 (75 percent) of the 325 students who have taken the ACA certification exam successfully earned ACA certification. From 2016 to 2020, 100 percent of his students exhibited growth in AP Computer Science Principles.
One of the cornerstones of his lessons is helping students to be better, more keen critics of their own work products so that they are able to identify personal areas in need of improvement so that they might be able to grow beyond them, district officials said.
In addition to teaching, Olivo works to support the school by managing its social media accounts and school website. Since he began managing their social media sites, he has more than tripled the school’s followers, according to a district data. His social media posts focus on student stories by showcasing their talents. He is also always willing to work at a moment’s notice with any of the various arts departments and clubs on campus to help design and promote a myriad of events. Marketing the schools upcoming events has boosted attendance, as well as increased involvement in school fundraisers, spirit days, and student participation in school initiatives, such as College Week.
“When reviewing all that Mr. Olivo has accomplished since becoming an educator, what is inherently evident is that he is completely committed to ensuring the success of the entire student body,” said Pace. “He makes every program at his school better through his generous contributions of his time and talents as an outstanding teacher and mentor.”
Students, faculty, staff, and administration at the Osceola County School for the Arts all agreed that Olivo is an unstoppable force for bettering the school community with his grace, style and unparalleled passion, district officials said.
“I want to say a big thank you to my students,” Olivio said. “They motivate me everyday to be a better person.”
Olivo will now represent Osceola County at the state level in the Florida Department of Education’s 2022 Teacher of the Year.
Kathleen Williams
Williams was recognized for her watching over the health and safety of over 1,000 students every day, as well as the positive difference she continues to make and the outstanding support she provides to everyone at her school, district officials said.
“I’m overwhelmed,” Williams said after winning the award. “It’s an honor to take care of all the heartbeats that come to the school everyday and I appreciate the parents for trusting me to take care of them.”
As the school nurse, Williams addresses the physical, mental, emotional and social health needs of students and supports their achievement in the learning process. She administers medication aide in developing health care plans, educates students and staff on healthy habits and keeps track of students’ vaccination records and health screenings.
During the uncertainty of the pandemic, “Nurse Katie” developed a game plan and space to safely care for students, the press release stated.
Her involvement with the children allowed her to quickly identify those who were deeply struggling when unable to return to school so outreach could be done.
In addition, she helped hand out loaner laptops and hotspots to families in need, cleaned out physical education lockers and answered phones in the front office. She also serves as the school’s Health Champion, orchestrating mental health uplifts, food drives, Biggest Loser weight challenges and other healthy outlets.
She also co-sponsors the school’s H.E.R.D. Club, which provides students with an opportunity to give back to the community and to fellow staff members.
In taking on the role of assistant athletic director at the school, she attends every sporting event in support of the Harmony Middle Wranglers while ensuring all athletes, no matter if from the home or away team, are safe and well. Williams secured the donation of 150 basketballs from the Orlando Magic as part of the school’s Partners in Education program.
“Nurse Katie is a constant positive reinforcement for the students and staff at Harmony Middle,” said Pace. “In addition to performing her job at an exemplary level, she is at the heart and soul of the school demonstrated through her incredible commitment to her entire community.”
Pace will now forward her nomination on to the Florida Department of Education for consideration for Florida's School-Related Employee of the Year Award.
Some of the prizes Both Olivo and Williams received were a trophy, a $500 gift card, a 14-day combination tickets to SeaWorld, a two-night stay at the Walt Disney world resort and four one-day Disney park-hopping tickets.
